ALBION star Glenn Murray has given some words of advice for aspiring professional footballers.

The 34-year-old cut the ribbon of a 3G football pitch paid for by the club at Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing yesterday, to the delight of the scores of schoolchildren present.

Murray, who is the Seagulls’ top scorer this campaign, believes the new all-weather facility could help tout the next Premier League star – but they will have to put the work in like he did.

The youngsters will certainly have a better surface than Murray played on as a boy, too.

He told The Argus: “(Sport has) become my living, so it was the most important thing for me.

“I was probably one of those kids at school who, when people asked me what I want to do, I told them I wanted to be a footballer, and the teachers would tell me to concentrate more in class.

“It’s just brilliant to have this for the kids – they can hone their skills on it, there’s no big puddles and patches of mud on it.

“It’s a perfect day out whatever the weather.

“I grew up in the north and the weather isn’t as good there, so yeah, I mean the pitches did get battered in the wind and the kids didn’t give them a rest because that’s all they wanted to do is play football on them.

“We had worn-out goalmouths, and we still played and still enjoyed it.

“I think it’s a fantastic surface and it’s a great thing the club’s done, but it’s down to the person himself or herself to push themselves as much as possible.”

Albion made the investment into grassroots sport after it was announced their American Express Elite Performance Centre training ground would be built in Lancing, just a stone’s throw from the academy.

The pitch was approved by Adur and Worthing Council in 2014, and work got under way in October last year.

It will be used all year around and is suitable for football, rugby and hockey.

Athletics events such as long jump will also be hosted there, with the academy making it available to other schools in the area to use for their sports days.

Principal Kieran Scanlon said: “I think it is a fantastic opportunity for the children to play at this level.

“It is great to bring the community together.

“I think we have benefited from Albion in the Community’s professionalism, and today has been quite inspirational.

“This is something the children will remember for a long time.”

Albion Women forward Ini Umotong was also there with Murray and other stars from the club were present to unveil the pitch.

Seagulls executive director Martin Perry said: “The key message is when we came to Lancing, we loved being here.

“The point is, as a result of us being here, we funded this.

“The children are brilliant.

“It is lovely to see them using it, having fun and participating in sport – it makes us feel proud of what we have done.”